Rosstoberfest

That's right ladies and gentleman the 2nd Annual Rosstoberfest has come and gone. On October 20th 40 of our closest friends stopped by the Rossi complex for some heaping portions of pork butt and apple crisp. And when I say heaping, I mean the Rossi's aren't so good with judging how much food to make for 40 people. We made enough food for like 100 people. At the end of the night we were begging people to take food home. The crowd was good, the illustrious team 5, my MBA teammates, met the "Stoners" for the first time and a pretty good crowd representing Che-town was there too. Long live Rosstoberfest...we'll see you again next year.

Dan officially becomes an MBA student

On September 26th Dan officially started the evening MBA program at UW. The night before Dan and I attended the MBA student/family welcome BBQ on campus. A Husky at last!! I couldn't be prouder of my hubby!

Dan Rubs Elbows with Michael and Kitty Dukakis at Kara and Nelson's Wedding

On Saturday September 22nd Dan, Amy, and I left Seattle immediately after Dan's MBA seminar and drove 4 and 1/2 hours to Spokane where we spent the night at the historic Davenport Hotel. The next morning we woke up and drove another 1/2 hour to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to attend the wedding of my dear friend Kara. The wedding took place outside on Lake Coeur d'Alene at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. When we arrived at the resort we hopped on a boat that took us over to the golf course where the wedding was held. Much to our surprise Michael and Kitty Dukakis were on the boat with us. Kara's new husband Nelson worked with Mr. Dukakis as one of his first jobs in politics. Of all the people on the boat Mr. Dukakis walked straight up to Dan, shook Dan's hand, and said "who are you and what are your connections?" Leave it to Dan to hob nob with the Dukakis'. The wedding was absolutely beautiful with a reception immediately following. The food was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed the special hot chocolate Dan had made for me. Unfortunately, Amy and Dan had to work early the next day. So around 8pm we left the reception and I drove us straight back to Seattle while Dan tried to get a head start on his reading for the first week of classes in the back seat.

A Special Gift from Dan

On the evening of September 16th I arrived home to a wonderful surprise. Dan bought me a brand new apple computer! I was so excited! We had been talking about getting a computer for Dan before he started school as one of our computers is on the fritz. However, much to my surprise Dan decided that he was fine with the computer that was working and instead thought I should have a new artsy computer so that I can work on my blog and projects while he is at school. What a fabulous husband!! I'm using my new computer right now and loving it!

Fun with the James Gang

On Sunday September 16th Dan, Amy, mom and I headed to Aunt Susan and Uncle Glenn's new beautiful home on the Puget Sound in Olympia for a BBQ get together. Amy, mom, and I enjoyed catching up with Renee, Jennifer, and Aunt Susan while Dan enjoyed watching the Seahawks game with Jay, Brian and Uncle Glenn. We also enjoyed seeing Jennifer's and Brian's baby girl, Addison, and Renee and Jay's two little boys, Cole and Bryce. We had a yummy meal of hot dogs and potato salad followed by the best ice cream dessert ever!!! All in all it was a fun day with the James Gang!!

Aliens from Ohio

On August 30th Mamacita and Papacito deplaned in Seattle for their 10 day visit. In true Rossi fashion, we fed them and fed them and fed them. Love hurts right? This time was all about relaxing so we went out when they wanted to and stayed in too. We went to Chateau Ste Michelle Winery and found a wine that Mandy and mom would actually drink. After a picnic of cheese, meats, and fresh baguettes, along with Moscato Frizzante mom had to take a nap (if you know what I mean). Her complexion was ruddy, eyes heavily lidded, and she held a very satisfying smile on her face. Next stop was the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Nice Glass!! The rest of the week was spent touring Pikes Place, walking Green Lake, and cooking at home. On Friday September 7th dad and I took a short hour and a half trip North and scooped my brother Dave out of the Bellingham International Airport (with two runways and a coffee stand lady named Hazel). It was good to see Dave again. I look back on that weekend, aptly named the weekend of MEAT, very fondly. At dad's behest we went to the Buenos Aires Grill where the three boys promptly developed the "meat sweats" while devouring a platter of meat the size of a small spanish villa while watching the tango. To make up for our cholesterol ingestion we hiked 5 and 1/2 miles up and down Tiger Mountain...then had a BBQ! It was a great trip, I miss my morning Green lake walks with mom and political discussions with my father. Can't wait until next year when we'll do it all again!